By Jon Arnold
Anything could’ve happened in Leagues Cup after dark. But the LA Galaxy made sure to set the tone, then keep their mind on the task.
The Galaxy went into the second match of a doubleheader at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, knowing they needed to beat Santos Laguna by two goals. Yet, especially during what has been a frustrating year for the reigning MLS Cup champion, it was hardly a given.
Hardly a given until the half, when the Galaxy took a 3-0 lead into the break - and also saw Santos Laguna reduced to nine men because of a pair of red cards.
Even before the halftime break, the Galaxy had made clear that they wanted to avoid any doubt and set their sights on the quarterfinal. In the first minute, Joseph Paintsil put the ball into the back of the net, finishing off a move that saw Gabriel Pec set up Mauricio Cuevas for a cross. The two-goal mountain immediately was cut in half with the home side able to focus on chasing a second.
That goal came in the 40th minute, with Cuevas again playing the role of provider and delivering a perfectly weighted cross for Matheus Nascimento to finish. Maya Yoshida scored on a rebound to give the Galaxy that three-goal edge they took into the break.
It took some of the anxiety out of DHSP, with fans feeling comfortable in the knowledge they’ll be returning to the stadium for a quarterfinal later this month. But it still provided moments for them to cheer as the Galaxy look to secure a top-three finish and a return to the Concacaf Champions Cup - and perhaps even lift the two-bowl trophy that would salvage something from a difficult season.
The Galaxy knew what they needed to do and did it, adding another insurance goal through Lucas Sanabria before bringing in a few reserves to see out the result.
Other teams playing on the final day were not as capable. FC Juarez went into Thursday’s clash with the New York Red Bulls hoping to earn at least two points and earn a quarterfinal place. Instead, Bravos conceded to Dylan Nealis in the 47th minute and spent most of the second half trying to find an equalizer. It finally came in minute 88, with Oscar Estupinan’s header bringing the border club back level and forcing a penalty shootout.
Win the shootout? Juarez would advance. Lose it? Its Leagues Cup run would end.
The Red Bulls put all five of their kicks past Juarez shot-stopper Sebastian Jurado, while Rodolfo Pizarro saw his shot saved by a diving AJ Marcucci. That meant Juarez was unable to earn the extra point on offer in all Leagues Cup shootouts and finished just short of the next round.
The quarterfinalists who are into the next round all earned their places, like the Galaxy, over the three Phase One matches. Some had nervous nights Thursday, with teams like Puebla waiting to see if they’d be leap-frogged or keep their place or the Portland Timbers seeing the Galaxy dominate and push them below the line. Others, like the Seattle Sounders who got through the first phase with a perfect record, or Toluca who was locked into the top place in Liga MX, could simply see which rival awaits.
As the tournament moves into its next phase, fans will be aware again that anything can happen, with the teams that stay focused and execute their task able to enjoy the rewards.
